Biden announces additional Patriot system for Ukraine at NATO summit
With already known contributions from Germany, Romania, the Netherlands, and Italy, "five strategic air defense systems" have come together, said Biden at the celebration for the 75-year anniversary of NATO. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had demanded seven systems from the allies - two more than have now been pledged.
"We are working on further commitments this year", said a joint statement from Biden, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), and the heads of state and government of Romania, the Netherlands, and Italy. "Our message to Moscow and the world is clear: Our support for Ukraine is strong and steadfast."
"Ukraine can and will stop Putin", said Biden to Zelenskyy and the other NATO heads of state and government. Germany has already delivered one of the five Patriot systems mentioned by Biden to Ukraine in the past few days. In total, Kiev has received three Patriot batteries from the German government since the beginning of the Russian attack war in February 2022.
Outgoing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned the 32 member states against easing their engagement with Ukraine. "The greatest costs and the greatest risk will arise if Russia wins in Ukraine", he said in a speech. This would not only encourage Putin but also "authoritarian leaders in Iran, North Korea, or China".
The heads of state and government of NATO have promised Ukraine new aid in the amount of 40 billion euros, which should be discussed on Wednesday. New bilateral security commitments for Kiev were also expected. However, the invitation to membership for Ukraine was not on the agenda.
A meeting with representatives from partner countries such as Moldova and Georgia was also planned in Washington. In the evening, there was to be a dinner of the heads of state and government at the invitation of Biden. Scholz was to meet Zelenskyy for bilateral talks on the sidelines of the summit, according to Berlin's announcement.
Ukraine intends to address its acute soldier shortage at the front with a "Ukrainian Legion" made up of Ukrainians living in Europe who are of military age. "We call on all Ukrainians in Europe to join the Ukrainian Legion. Your contribution is of invaluable value in our fight for freedom and independence", Defense Minister Rustem Umerow declared.
In Russian attacks in the south of Ukraine, three people were killed in the night to Wednesday. In Odessa, there were two deaths according to the governor Oleh Kiper, and another person was killed in the city of Nikopol in the Dnipropetrowsk region.
Russia has been attacking Ukraine regularly at night since the beginning of the war in February 2022. In massive attacks on Monday, the children's hospital in Kiev was also hit. According to Zelenskyy, a total of 43 people were killed and around 200 others were injured in the attacks on Monday. The attacks were sharply condemned internationally. On Tuesday, a day of mourning was observed in Ukraine.
- At the NATO summit, Biden highlighted the collaboration of five countries, including Germany, in providing five strategic Patriot air defense systems.
- The Patriot system, a key component of air defense, was pledged by Biden and other leaders to further bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities.
- After Biden's announcement, Scholz, the SPD leader, and other NATO heads acknowledged the importance of their ongoing commitments towards Ukraine's defense.
- Biden reaffirmed the US's strong and steadfast support for Ukraine, echoing the sentiments of his fellow NATO leaders at the anniversary summit.
- As a token of this support, Germany had recently delivered one of the five Patriot systems to Ukraine, with two more batteries already provided earlier in the conflict.
- Stoltenberg, the outgoing NATO Secretary-General, cautioned against any potential weakening of support for Ukraine, highlighting the potential consequences for both Ukraine and other regions.
- The NATO leaders also promised new financial aid of 40 billion euros to Ukraine, with a potential for further bilateral security commitments.
- This pledge came after a series of intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine, emphasizing the need for enhanced support.
- Despite the significant aid, Ukraine's ambition of NATO membership was not on the table, with it only expecting new bilateral security commitments.
- The NATO leaders also planned to meet with representatives from Moldova and Georgia, reinforcing their commitment to regional security and cooperation.
- Zelenskyy and Scholz were expected to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the summit, working on further strategies to bolster Ukraine's defense against the ongoing Russian aggression.
